The Ultimate Guide To Travelling Like a Local

A concept that often comes up when travelers discuss their next destination is ‘traveling like a local’. While packing your bags and jetting off to exotic destinations obviously means hitting up the main tourist experiences in some way or another, travelers are increasingly looking for something deeper from their vacations, aiming to see sights that no one else has seen, or to get a different take on the place they are traveling to. Going off-the-beaten-track, finding hidden gems, and seeing a more ‘authentic’ side of a destination are often top of the list for travelers these days.

But how exactly do you achieve authenticity when visiting somewhere for a short time? You need to know how to travel like a local. This is not quite the same concept as settling down for an extended period – becoming a digital nomad in Thailand or retiring in Panama, for example. Traveling like a local is still, at its heart, going on vacation – whether for a weekend, a fortnight, or a month. But it does mean approaching your travel style, and your destination, slightly differently.

So if you’ve got a long summer vacation to Costa Rica planned, or you are just heading off on a last-minute cruise from Florida, take a look at these hints and tips for traveling like a local. You won’t be disappointed with the results!

Learn some language basics

I studied Cantonese in the Kong, Spanish in the Video and Polish in Gdansk.

Avoid high season

This probably goes without saying, but steering clear of the busy, touristy times of year makes it a whole lot easier to discover the more authentic side of a vacation destination. It is also worth avoiding the most touristy areas, if you can!

Experiment!

The real trick to traveling like a local is to throw yourself into new experiences and try new things. This might mean eating local food you might not otherwise try, or taking local recommendations for things to do and places to see. Even better if you can tag along with things that locals are doing themselves!

Stay local

In a similar way to avoiding the main tourist season, choosing accommodation that isn’t a big chain hotel is a great way to start. Locally-hosted homestays and small B&Bs are a brilliant way to get to know different areas of your vacation destination, and you’ll be able to experience local life more directly, as well as getting genuine local recommendations from your hosts!

Wander

Sometimes the best way to discover the true nature of a place is to get a little lost! Just wandering around your destination and seeing what you come across will often result in more authentic experiences than making plans…particularly if you are open to new experiences.

Make connections

Of course, the absolute best way to travel like a local is to make some new local friends! Making connections with people who live in the area is fun, and will lead to some truly exceptional and unique experiences that no tour guide could replicate!